Since federal law specifically addressing the issuance of concealed carry licenses does not yet exist in the U.S., individual states are left with the task of regulating concealed carry laws within their own borders.

Over the past few decades, most states in the country have gradually shifted their carry laws to become less restrictive. Despite fewer restrictions, legally carrying a concealed firearm remains vastly different from one state to another—and in some cases, one town to another. The diversity of laws naturally creates ambiguity around the entire topic of concealed carry legislation.

Aside from background checks, training requirements and application fees, states are generally classified into one of four categories based on how they issue licenses.

Permitless/Unrestricted – Also commonly known as “Constitutional Carry,” individuals can carry a concealed firearm without obtaining a license or permit.Shall-Issue – Permits are required to carry a concealed handgun, but the granting authority has no discretion over the issuance of permits. The granting authority shall issue a permit if an applicant meets distinct criteria in the law.May-Issue – The granting authority may issue a permit at their discretion, and usually require “good cause” or a “significant reason” to carry a firearm.No-Issue/Restricted – Individuals cannot obtain a license to legally carry a concealed firearm.

Shall-Issue is the most common method of issuance, with 38 states issuing licenses without discretion as long as an applicant meets distinct criteria in the law. States with unrestricted concealed carry—other than Vermont—also issue permits on a Shall-Issue basis so individuals can travel out of state, and still legally carry a concealed firearm in states with reciprocal agreements.

We set out to objectively rank the Best States for Concealed Carry based on measurable criteria. Outside the data we measured are several other factors that are difficult to quantify—such as transport laws and places restricted from carry. Keep in mind we are specifically focusing on concealed carry rather than open carry. Just like our “Best States for Gun Owners in 2013,” no state earned a perfect score.

To determine the best concealed carry states in 2013, we examined the following criteria and assigned numerical values to each category for a maximum of 100 points.

Reciprocity: The number of states honored in the issuing state were counted and assigned a maximum of 10 points. Next, the number of states where the issuing state’s permit is honored were counted and assigned a maximum of 10 points. The two totals were then added together for a maximum of 20 points.

Number of Permits Honored in the Issuing State

0 States = 0 Points

1-10 States = 2 Points

11-20 States = 4 Points

21-30 States = 6 Points

31-40 States = 8 Points

41-50 States = 10 Points

Number of States Where the Issuing State’s Permit is Honored

0 States = 0 Points

1-10 States = 2 Points

11-20 States = 4 Points

21-30 States = 6 Points

31-40 States = 8 Points

41-50 States = 10 Points

Training Time: Training time was scored based on the minimum number of statutory training hours required, for a maximum of 10 points. States with unrestricted carry automatically earned the maximum number of points.

0 Hours = 10 Points

1-3 Hours = 9 points

4-6 Hours = 8 points

7-9 Hours = 7 points

10-12 Hours = 6 points

13-15 Hours = 5 points

16+ Hours = 0 points

Application Fee: Application fees were scored with a maximum of 10 points based on the statutory cost paid by civilians to their state of residence in order to obtain the permit. Fees were not scored based on renewal or out-of-state permit costs, military/law enforcement/veteran rates or senior citizen discounts. Fees also do not include the cost of any necessary training course(s). States with unrestricted carry automatically earned the maximum number of points.

$0-$25 = 10 points

$26-50 = 8 points

$51-75 = 6 points

$76-100 = 4 points

$101-150 = 2 points

$150+ = 0 points

Stand Your Ground/Castle Doctrine: States’ scores were determined based on how strong their law is regarding self-defense in and out of the home, and whether you’re immune from civil prosecution in a self-defense situation. Maximum of 10 points.

Best States for Gun Owners in 2013: To best determine how generally gun friendly the state is, each was awarded up to 10 points based on their overall rank in the Best States for Gun Owners in 2013.

Ranks 1-10 = 10 points

Ranks 11-20 = 8 points

Ranks 21-30 = 6 points

Ranks 31-40 = 4 points

Ranks 41-50 = 2 points

Duty to Inform: States were awarded points based on whether or not individuals who are legally carrying are required to immediately inform a law enforcement/peace officers they are carrying a gun upon initial contact.5 Points = Not required to immediately inform a law enforcement officer.0 Points = Required to immediately inform a law enforcement officer.

Pre-Emption of Home-Rule: States were awarded points if state laws pre-empt local governing bodies from crafting their own legislation regarding concealed carry. In most states, pre-emption does not include local laws regarding the discharge of firearms within city limits.5 Points = State laws pre-empt local governing bodies from crafting their own laws.0 Points = Local governing bodies can make their own laws and are not subject to state pre-emption.

Permit Issued to Non-Residents: States earned points based on their method of issuance to non-residents.5 Points = Permits are issued on a Shall-Issue basis to non-residents.2 Points = Permits are issued on a May-Issue basis to non-residents.0 Points = Permits are not issued to non-residents.

Find out where your state ranks compared to the rest of the country, and be sure to enter the debate.

GALLERY: The Best Concealed Carry States in 2013

1 of 51

<h2>51. Washington D.C.</h2><strong>Permit Issuance: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>Reciprocity: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>Training Time: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>Application Fee: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>Stand Your Ground: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>Best States for Gun Owners: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>Duty to Inform: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>Pre-Emption: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>Issued to Non-Residents: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>TOTAL: 0 </strong>
<p></p>
It’s hard to believe any place in the United States—aside from places such as prisons and mental institutions—could possibly score a zero. Until the recent Heller Supreme Court decision, residents weren’t even allowed to own guns. No magazines are allowed that hold more than 10 rounds, there is no law permitting concealed carry, and there is no Castle Doctrine law.

<h2>51. Washington D.C.</h2><strong>Permit Issuance: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>Reciprocity: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>Training Time: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>Application Fee: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>Stand Your Ground: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>Best States for Gun Owners: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>Duty to Inform: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>Pre-Emption: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>Issued to Non-Residents: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>TOTAL: 0 </strong>
<p></p>
It’s hard to believe any place in the United States—aside from places such as prisons and mental institutions—could possibly score a zero. Until the recent Heller Supreme Court decision, residents weren’t even allowed to own guns. No magazines are allowed that hold more than 10 rounds, there is no law permitting concealed carry, and there is no Castle Doctrine law.

<h2>50. California</h2><strong>Permit Issuance: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Reciprocity: 6</strong>
<br>
<strong>Training Time: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>Application Fee: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>Stand Your Ground: 6</strong>
<br>
<strong>Best States for Gun Owners: 2</strong>
<br>
<strong>Duty to Inform: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Pre-Emption: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>Issued to Non-Residents: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>TOTAL: 24 </strong>
<p></p>
If you’re not a Hollywood celebrity or rock star, odds are you won’t be getting a permit—especially if you live near a populated area. Among the most strict gun laws in the nation, California legislation also restricts residents to one handgun purchase per 30 days, and handguns have to be on the “approved” list for legal sale.

<h2>49. Hawaii</h2><strong>Permit Issuance: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Reciprocity: 6</strong>
<br>
<strong>Training Time: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>Application Fee: 10</strong>
<br>
<strong>Stand Your Ground: 4</strong>
<br>
<strong>Best States for Gun Owners: 2</strong>
<br>
<strong>Duty to Inform: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Pre-Emption: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>Issued to Non-Residents: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>TOTAL: 32 </strong>
<p></p>
Hawaii is a May-Issue state, and licenses are rarely issued. A state permit is also required to purchase a handgun, and many of which are banned. Hawaii may be a popular vacation destination, but it’s far from a friendly place for concealed carry and gun owners in general.

<h2>48. New Jersey</h2><strong>Permit Issuance: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Reciprocity: 6</strong>
<br>
<strong>Training Time: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>Application Fee: 10</strong>
<br>
<strong>Stand Your Ground: 2</strong>
<br>
<strong>Best States for Gun Owners: 2</strong>
<br>
<strong>Duty to Inform: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Pre-Emption: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>Issued to Non-Residents: 2</strong>
<br>
<strong>TOTAL: 32 </strong>
<p></p>
Carrying a gun is generally difficult in a May-Issue state, and even worse if the state requires two separate permits just to own a single handgun—which must be limited to 15 rounds. New Jersey also requires three reputable people knowing a person for at least three years to justify the need for that person to carry.

<h2>47. Massachusetts</h2><strong>Permit Issuance: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Reciprocity: 6</strong>
<br>
<strong>Training Time: 8</strong>
<br>
<strong>Application Fee: 4</strong>
<br>
<strong>Stand Your Ground: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Best States for Gun Owners: 2</strong>
<br>
<strong>Duty to Inform: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Pre-Emption: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>Issued to Non-Residents: 2</strong>
<br>
<strong>TOTAL: 37 </strong>
<p></p>
Massachusetts is famously unfriendly to gun owners. It issues concealed carry licenses on a May-Issue basis, and a state license is also required for buying guns or ammunition. Carry licenses are also broken down into Class A, B and C licenses, each of which with their own set of restrictions.

<h2>46. New York</h2><strong>Permit Issuance: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Reciprocity: 6</strong>
<br>
<strong>Training Time: 6</strong>
<br>
<strong>Application Fee: 10</strong>
<br>
<strong>Stand Your Ground: 3</strong>
<br>
<strong>Best States for Gun Owners: 2</strong>
<br>
<strong>Duty to Inform: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Pre-Emption: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>Issued to Non-Residents: 2</strong>
<br>
<strong>TOTAL: 39 </strong>
<p></p>
New York is a May-Issue state, and the closer you are to New York City, the less chance you have of getting a permit. Also, New York now has a weapons seizure law, just in case the cops think you might be up to something. New Yorkers also live under poor self-defense laws, but those who are magically approved for a permit only owe the state $10. Don’t plan on legally carrying any time soon in Bloomberg and Cuomo’s kingdom.

<h2>44. Delaware</h2><strong>Permit Issuance: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Reciprocity: 10</strong>
<br>
<strong>Training Time: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>Application Fee: 6</strong>
<br>
<strong>Stand Your Ground: 8</strong>
<br>
<strong>Best States for Gun Owners: 2</strong>
<br>
<strong>Duty to Inform: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Pre-Emption: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Issued to Non-Residents: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>TOTAL: 41 </strong>
<p></p>
Although open carry is technically legal, obtaining a May-Issue concealed carry permit is next to impossible. First, an individual must have their application published into a newspaper—which must have at least 35 percent circulation to people in their Zip code. Among other requirements, an individual must also submit reference questionnaires completed by five citizens who also reside in the same county.

<h2>43. Maryland</h2><strong>Permit Issuance: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Reciprocity: 6</strong>
<br>
<strong>Training Time: 7</strong>
<br>
<strong>Application Fee: 6</strong>
<br>
<strong>Stand Your Ground: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Best States for Gun Owners: 2</strong>
<br>
<strong>Duty to Inform: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Pre-Emption: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Issued to Non-Residents: 2</strong>
<br>
<strong>TOTAL: 43 </strong>
<p></p>
Maryland is one of a handful of East Coast states making it just about as difficult as possible to carry a concealed firearm. The laws are vaguely written and recognize almost no individual rights to firearm ownership. Handguns must be registered, and residents can only buy one gun per month.

<h2>42. Illinois</h2><strong>Permit Issuance: 20</strong>
<br>
<strong>Reciprocity: 4</strong>
<br>
<strong>Training Time: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>Application Fee: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>Stand Your Ground: 9</strong>
<br>
<strong>Best States for Gun Owners: 2</strong>
<br>
<strong>Duty to Inform: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Pre-Emption: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Issued to Non-Residents: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>TOTAL: 50 </strong>
<p></p>
The fight to earn Shall-Issue concealed carry in the Land of Lincoln has been a roller coaster ride in 2013 since the 7th Circuit Court ruled Illinois’ ban on concealed carry was unconstitutional. Residents are currently waiting until at least January 2014 to apply for licenses. The current law is Shall-Issue, with 16 hours of required training and an excessive application fee. Legislative battles over carry rights in Illinois are far from over, but are on track to becoming more forgiving.

<h2>40. Colorado</h2><strong>Permit Issuance: 20</strong>
<br>
<strong>Reciprocity: 16</strong>
<br>
<strong>Training Time: 7</strong>
<br>
<strong>Application Fee: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>Stand Your Ground: 6</strong>
<br>
<strong>Best States for Gun Owners: 4</strong>
<br>
<strong>Duty to Inform: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Pre-Emption: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Issued to Non-Residents: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>TOTAL: 63 </strong>
<p></p>
Colorado was in the spotlight earlier this year with two state senators being recalled from office after endorsing anti-gun legislation. Regardless, licenses are issued on a Shall-Issue basis and are reciprocal with a number of states, including every neighboring state. Colorado has no duty to inform, but does require residents to display proficiency with a firearm.

<h2>39. Ohio</h2><strong>Permit Issuance: 20</strong>
<br>
<strong>Reciprocity: 14</strong>
<br>
<strong>Training Time: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Application Fee: 6</strong>
<br>
<strong>Stand Your Ground: 7</strong>
<br>
<strong>Best States for Gun Owners: 6</strong>
<br>
<strong>Duty to Inform: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>Pre-Emption: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Issued to Non-Residents: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>TOTAL: 63 </strong>
<p></p>
Obtaining a Shall-Issue license in Ohio requires more training than virtually any other state, with 12 hours of required training. Licensees are also required to immediately inform law enforcement upon contact. Reciprocity with other states is mediocre, and does not allow for residents to legally carry into their most proximate neighbor to the east, Pennsylvania.

<h2>26. Arkansas</h2><strong>Permit Issuance: 20</strong>
<br>
<strong>Reciprocity: 18</strong>
<br>
<strong>Training Time: 10</strong>
<br>
<strong>Application Fee: 10</strong>
<br>
<strong>Stand Your Ground: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Best States for Gun Owners: 4</strong>
<br>
<strong>Duty to Inform: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>Pre-Emption: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Issued to Non-Residents: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>TOTAL: 72 </strong>
<p></p>
While some folks claim Arkansas is now a permitless carry state due to recent court rulings, the State of Arkansas claims permitless carry and open carry remain illegal under the new laws. It appears cleaning up the language in the current law will require another court case to set the record straight.

<h2>17. Florida</h2><strong>Permit Issuance: 20</strong>
<br>
<strong>Reciprocity: 16</strong>
<br>
<strong>Training Time: 7</strong>
<br>
<strong>Application Fee: 2</strong>
<br>
<strong>Stand Your Ground: 10</strong>
<br>
<strong>Best States for Gun Owners: 8</strong>
<br>
<strong>Duty to Inform: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Pre-Emption: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Issued to Non-Residents: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>TOTAL: 78 </strong>
<p></p>
Florida’s concealed carry license is honored by many states because obtaining one meets or exceeds most state’s minimum requirements; applicants are required to take part in live-fire training, fingerprinting and photographs. Florida’s carry laws have been used as a model for several other states as concealed carry has proliferated across the country. Florida scored well in all categories, but their $112 application fee is not desirable.

<h2>12. Montana</h2><strong>Permit Issuance: 20</strong>
<br>
<strong>Reciprocity: 18</strong>
<br>
<strong>Training Time: 7</strong>
<br>
<strong>Application Fee: 8</strong>
<br>
<strong>Stand Your Ground: 10</strong>
<br>
<strong>Best States for Gun Owners: 8</strong>
<br>
<strong>Duty to Inform: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Pre-Emption: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Issued to Non-Residents: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>TOTAL: 81 </strong>
<p></p>
Montana would have made the top 10 if they were a true “Constitutional Carry” state. According to state law, a person may carry without a permit if they are, “outside the official boundaries of a city or town or the confines of a logging, lumbering, mining, or railroad camp or who is lawfully engaged in hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, hiking, backpacking, farming, ranching, or other outdoor activity in which weapons are often carried for recreation or protection.”

<h2>5. Vermont</h2><strong>Permit Issuance: 25</strong>
<br>
<strong>Reciprocity: 12</strong>
<br>
<strong>Training Time: 10</strong>
<br>
<strong>Application Fee: 10</strong>
<br>
<strong>Stand Your Ground: 9</strong>
<br>
<strong>Best States for Gun Owners: 10</strong>
<br>
<strong>Duty to Inform: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Pre-Emption: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Issued to Non-Residents: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>TOTAL: 86 </strong>
<p></p>
The Green Mountain State has long been friendly to both open and concealed carry. Carrying without a license is legal, but Vermont does not issue licenses, so residents will need to obtain a non-resident license from another state if they wish to travel outside Vermont with their firearm—unless they travel to Alaska, Arizona or Oklahoma, where a Vermont Driver’s License and being legally able to own a firearm are grounds for legal carry.

<h2>3. Wyoming</h2><strong>Permit Issuance: 25</strong>
<br>
<strong>Reciprocity: 16</strong>
<br>
<strong>Training Time: 10</strong>
<br>
<strong>Application Fee: 10</strong>
<br>
<strong>Stand Your Ground: 7</strong>
<br>
<strong>Best States for Gun Owners: 10</strong>
<br>
<strong>Duty to Inform: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Pre-Emption: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Issued to Non-Residents: 0</strong>
<br>
<strong>TOTAL: 88 </strong>
<p></p>
In the state with more antelope than people, Wyoming residents who can legally own a firearm can carry concealed without a license. Wyoming would have placed second—but they don’t issue licenses to non-residents, and Wyoming permits are only reciprocal with states who also honor their permit.

<h2>2. Utah</h2><strong>Permit Issuance: 20</strong>
<br>
<strong>Reciprocity: 18</strong>
<br>
<strong>Training Time: 8</strong>
<br>
<strong>Application Fee: 8</strong>
<br>
<strong>Stand Your Ground: 10</strong>
<br>
<strong>Best States for Gun Owners: 10</strong>
<br>
<strong>Duty to Inform: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Pre-Emption: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Issued to Non-Residents: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>TOTAL: 89 </strong>
<p></p>
Although Utah requires a license for concealed carry, the state scores very well all around. Licenses are issued on a Shall-Issue basis to both residents and non-residents, and have reciprocity with a large number of states.

<h2>1. Arizona</h2><strong>Permit Issuance: 25</strong>
<br>
<strong>Reciprocity: 18</strong>
<br>
<strong>Training Time: 10</strong>
<br>
<strong>Application Fee: 10</strong>
<br>
<strong>Stand Your Ground: 10</strong>
<br>
<strong>Best States for Gun Owners: 10</strong>
<br>
<strong>Duty to Inform: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Pre-Emption: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>Issued to Non-Residents: 5</strong>
<br>
<strong>TOTAL: 98 </strong>
<p></p>
After taking the top spot in “The Best States for Gun Owners,” Arizona tops the leaderboard once again. As a “Constitutional Carry” state, anyone 21 and over who can legally own a firearm can carry it concealed without a license. In addition, Arizona issues licenses on a Shall-Issue basis, allowing residents and non-residents to carry their weapons when traveling out-of-state. Arizona also has no duty to immediately inform an officer, has excellent reciprocity and a Stand Your Ground law.

*Editor’s note: State-specific gun laws are a complicated, frustrating and fluid subject. Some states are very hazy on certain statutes, so our data reflects those confusions with general statements based on our understanding of the law. Tie breakers were decided on a case-by-case basis and judged on self-defense laws, or how gun-friendly the state is overall. It’s also important to note safety and live-fire training time are ALWAYS recommended for anyone who carries, even if training is not a statutory requirement.We are not lawyers, nor do we claim to be. All information is current as of Oct. 24, 2013. Click here for the text-only version.